Zambezi Luangwa Luxury Exper

Zambia is a vast country, friendly and peaceful, that offers superb wildlife and cultural encounters. Landlocked in south-central Africa, it is one of the region’s least travelled and most rewarding wilderness destinations. Situated mainly on a seemingly endless plateau about 1 200 metres (3 937 feet) above sea level, the country boasts the Zambezi, Kafue and Luangwa rivers; as well as Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world, which it shares with neighbouring Zimbabwe. 

Most of the country enjoys a mild, pleasant climate with the river valleys hotter and more humid and the north, in the region of Lake Tanganyika (one of Zambia’s ten large lakes), tropical. While Lusaka is the country’s capital, Livingstone, just 10 kilometres (six miles) from the Falls, is the well-known “adventure capital”, offering adrenalin-packed activities on and around the Falls and the Zambezi River.

When it comes to wildlife, Zambia offers impressive diversity as well as large concentrations and numbers, and some of the wildest and most remote game areas on the continent. It was in Zambia that the concept of walking safaris originated as the best way of enjoying the rich flora and fauna of the country’s numerous national parks. Birdlife is particularly prolific, attracting birders from all over the world.

Currency

Local currency: Zambian Kwacha
Symbol: ZK
ISO code: ZMW
Subunit: Ngwee
Banknotes: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 kwacha
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50 ngwee, 1 kwacha

Banking

Card Transactions: Limited
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Limited acceptance
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance

Banking Hours:

Weekdays: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Weekends: Limited hours in some locations
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours)
Foreign exchange services: Yes

Air:

Main airlines: Zambia Airways
International Airports: Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN)
Domestic Airports: Yes

Road:

Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: No

Bus:

Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes

Rail:

Railway system: Limited
Subway System: No

Water:

Ferries: No
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: No

Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: No
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes

Local cuisine: Zambian cuisine features a variety of dishes, including Nshima (maize porridge), which is often served with meat, vegetables, or fish. Other popular dishes include Ifisashi (vegetables cooked in peanut sauce) and Biltong (dried meat).

Drinks: Chibwantu (a thick, fermented drink made from maize grits) and Munkoyo (a mildly fermented drink made from maize and local roots).

Tipping: 10-15% is customary in restaurants if a service charge is not included.

Annual rainfall: Varies
Average temperature: 25°C

Summer:
Average highs: 30°C
Average lows: 20°C

Winter:
Average highs: 25°C
Average lows: 15°C

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season from June to August when wildlife viewing is at its best. However, the wet season from November to April offers lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No

Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No

General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: No